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In a week’s time we had two funerals. One was our bishop only 6 years ago, and the other was a quiet but dynamic matriarch who had been a member of our ward for 12-15 years. Both funerals could be characterized and quiet, reverential, hopeful, and peaceful. And they are full of love, compassion, and quiet confidence There was simply no “weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth”. I remember very distinctly 30-35 years ago when my parents died, that my experience (even though going through my crisis of faith) was very much the same thing. There was and again still is something about Mormon funerals that is truly remarkable. I have a funny story about our success in the funeral department. When my mom was Stake RS president, one of the ward presidents told a great story. The Bishop received a phone call that a family member had died and the family wanted a funeral service. So the ward jumped in. Great service, luncheon, flowers from the ward, extra food after the luncheon. The standard awesome job. As the mourning family was leaving, the Relief Society President overheard the following comment, “See I told you if we called the Mormon’s they’d do a good job.” That day the ward truly served.
Yes Mormons really are funeral experts. Even the lowest member of the ward will get a good turnout and have some nice things said about them. Recently I attended the funeral of a relative who long ago left the church. Being use to church funerals I found it depressing when only a handful of close relatives showed up. It seemed sad to see a man who had lived so long leave this life with so few to remember him. I am surprised we don’t get them in clumps….one standard funeral and then several fallout funerals due to those delicious yet fat laden funeral potatoes with all that cheese! Literally to die for. I think there is not the desperation and hysteria that can be found in some non-lds funerals. I do not know if it is simply culture or a belief that death is not the end. It brings a peace to lds funerals even those of children which is a grief there are no words for. I agree. I love being asked to play for funerals and think that a meal for the family is a wonderful service. I like to picture two family reunions happening simultaneously on both sides of the veil. Nice to hear from you Ann 🙂 I went to a funeral recently, beautiful, absolutely wonderful… an excellent tribute to a very good and kind member of the ward… The flowers, which were done by one of the sisters, were every bit as good as a professional floral arrangement.
It was curious though because all of his children had gone inactive, and some of them had not been in the chapel for thirty plus years.
However, I’ve always felt that the bit at the graveside is very brief.
Here’s a quiz question for you… which Hitchcock film features a Mormon funeral?
I believe Family Plot has a quote that sounds very Book of Mormonish. Is that the one your thinking of? Great question Sam. That’s the one. There’s a reading from the BOM at the graveside. Forget the reference.
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